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WHAT'S NEW
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Several new Fabric Packs have been added. Check them out, then check back later to see what else is new.
Coming soon! Aurifil has introduced 18 new colors of cotton thread. We are waiting for our order to be delivered! We'll be adding these new items to the website as soon as they arrive: - 18 new colors, 220 yard spools, 50wt 2ply
- Thread card
- 270-spool case
Watch here for new thread items. Note: All new items will be at current 2014 prices. We will continue to hold our 2013 prices on existing inventory - for as long as we can. Buy now, before prices go up.
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READER QUESTIONS
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Q: Are 2 Fabric Applique Quilts reverse applique?
A: No. There really is no such thing as reverse applique for you, the quiltmaker. You always cut the top fabric on the pattern cutting line, turn under the raw edge of the top fabric, and stitch the top fabric to a background fabric. All applique is done this way. The stitching is identical whether you have cut little pieces to make a design, or are cutting away some fabric from a whole piece to create the design. Just because you may be cutting a large piece of fabric after it is basted to the background does not change the type of applique.
The notion of reverse applique comes from the visual perception of the design. When the pattern is being designed the turn-under allowance needs to be added to the correct side of the cutting line by the pattern designer. But once the pattern is drawn, the sewing process for the appliquer does not change.
The term reverse applique is confusing and provides many with the idea that it is somehow different or more difficult than normal applique...neither of which is true. We believe we would all do well to eliminate the term reverse applique from the quilters' dictionary. We never use the term. As far as we are concerned, there really is no such thing. There are just different applique designs.
Q: Are Hawaiian quilts reverse applique?
A: No. Visually, people can be confused about which fabric is the applique (on top) and which is the background fabric. But the design of a Hawaiian quilt is always the applique fabric and is appliqued on top of the background fabric.
Sometimes the appliqued border extends all the way to the edge of the quilt, but that does not make it reverse anything.
See the answer to the first question above, it applies to Hawaiian quilts also.
(There are a few rare examples of Hawaiian quilts where the design motif is the background fabric, when the applique fabric has been cut away to reveal the design in the background fabric - but those are rare exceptions, very atypical. None of our Hawaiian quilt patterns are designed that way.)
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QUILT SHOWS
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Look for these vendors
Did you know? Our patterns are sold by other vendors at quilt shows. Visit these booths to see quilt samples and buy our patterns.Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival - Pomona, CA (Mar 6-8, 2014)
Original Sewing & Quilt Expo - Atlanta, GA (Mar 13-15, 2014)
Original Sewing & Quilt Expo - Lakeland, FL (Mar 20-22, 2014)
Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival - Sacramento, CA (Mar 20-22, 2014)
Quiltfest Destination Savannah - Savannah, GA (Mar 27-30, 2014)
Home Machine Quilting Show - Salt Lake City, UT (May 8-10, 2014)
We try to publish accurate information, but it is always best to confirm with the vendors if you are making special plans.
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Aloha!
February was not a routine month. You might have guessed when you did not receive a February e-newsletter from us. We are here, all is fine, and we are back on track, we hope!
Nancy's fun in February were her days on the Big Island of Hawaii, teaching at Pahala Quilting and Quilting on the Beach, followed by several days with her grand kids on Oahu. From all reports, a grand time was had by all.
 Spring begins this month for those of us in the northern hemisphere and that means Spring Cleaning! "Yippee," I hear you exclaim with glee and delight (or not). The time-honored tradition of using Spring as an excuse to cleanse our surroundings, purging the clutter and cobwebs of the winter, goes back as far as ancient Persian and Jewish practices. So, grab a big garbage bag, a vacuum, and a dust rag to welcome Spring, and warmer weather! Since March is also National Craft Month (in the US, anyway), maybe spend a little extra time in your sewing and crafting area to clear out your winter projects and start something fresh for Spring. We're ready!
Be sure to check our current Calendar to find a class, presentation, or quilt show with Nancy in the coming months. You will be glad you did. E komo mai, Welcome, Nancy & Janice |
| HAWAIIAN vs. 2 FABRIC APPLIQUE QUILTS |
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What's the difference?
In our e-Newsletters you read about and see pictures of Hawaiian Quilts and 2 Fabric Applique Quilts (2FAQ). You may have wondered what exactly are the differences. What determines whether one of our patterns is Hawaiian or 2FAQ?
First, here are the similarities:
1) Both use two contrasting fabrics.
2) Both are applique.
3) The theme of the quilt is sometimes, but not always, tropical in nature.
Now, here are the differences:
HAWAIIAN QUILTS:
1) The primary difference is that Hawaiian quilt designs are radi  ally symmetrical, generally to the eighth, while 2 Fabric Applique Quilts are asymmetrical, more pictorial. (See the Angel's Trumpet article in our August 2009 e-Newsletter for a more detailed explanation of Hawaiian quilt symmetrical designs.)
2) Because Hawaiian quilt designs are symmetrical the applique fabric is cut like you would a paper snowflake.  First, fold the applique fabric, then mark the pattern, cut the applique fabric, unfold it onto the background fabric, baste and then applique. (This gray & white image, on the left, is the pattern for the Bluegrass Band quilt, pictured above, right.) Order of basic steps for a Hawaiian quilt:
Fold - Mark - Cut then Baste - Applique
Additionally, 3) The applique method is almost always hand needleturn. 4) Most commonly seen with an echo quilt pattern. Echo quilting is where the lines of quilting are spaced about 1/2" to 5/8" apart following the contours of the applique. 5) Hand quilted, though not always. Our Hawaiian bed quilts are special heirloom quilts, so we take the time to hand quilt them. Wall quilts are sometimes machine quilted. 6) A traditional quilt form that evolved in the Hawaiian Islands in the mid-1800's.
2 FABRIC APPLIQUE QUILTS (2FAQ):
1) Designs are pictorial, asymmetrical. 2) Because they are asymmetrical, you mark the pattern on the  applique fabric first, baste it to the background fabric, then cut the applique fabric, and applique.
Order of basic steps for a 2FAQ quilt:
Mark - Baste then Cut - Applique
3) 2FAQ quilts lend themselves to your choice of needleturn applique by hand, or fuse and machine applique, or raw-edge applique. (Instructions for all three methods are included in our patterns.) 4) No specific quilting pattern. Let the design of the quilt, and any print motif on the fabric, inspire your choice of quilting pattern. 5) Machine quilted, usually. We intend these quilts to be quick and easy to make, so we most often machine quilt them, though hand quilting is always an option. 6) A contemporary quilt design concept that we developed and that Pacific Rim Quilt Company has published since 2004. We especially like the use of two fabrics for applique and bold graphic designs, so the asymmetrical format opened up new design possibilities.
SUMMARY:
In a nut shell it boils down to this: Hawaiian quilts are symmetrical, so the applique fabric is folded and cut like a paper snowflake, then basted onto the background. 2FAQ quilts are pictorial, asymmetrical so the applique fabric is marked first, basted on the background and then cut. With either design style, once the applique fabric is basted in place, the applique and quilting techniques are the same.
WHICH IS EASIER?
There is no difference in difficulty, they are both easy. Both styles require the same skills and are great beginning applique projects. Hawaiian quilt designs look more complicated, but that does not make them more difficult to make. Naturally, with some designs there are more inches to be appliqued, so those take a little longer, but they are not more difficult.
We always recommend you choose the pattern for the quilt you like the best, because that is the one you are going to want to be working on, and that is the one that is going to get finished.
Tip: If you want to learn excellent needleturn applique skills from Nancy, in the comfort of your home, along with the techniques to make either style of quilt, consider one of our DVDs. To learn the differences between our DVDs, read here. |
BLUEGRASS BAND - Hawaiian Quilt
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When passions collide
Part of the long-held tradition of Hawaiian quilts is that designers incorporate motifs into their quilts that have personal significance -- favorite flowers, a special place, or cherished mementos, for example. Janice's husband is a musician and luthier (maker of stringed instruments). You only need to know him for a brief time to know that he is passionate about his music. It was pretty obvious that one day Janice would blend her love of Hawaiian quilts with her husband's love of music. When she did, the result was Bluegrass Band. 
When you inspect this design you will find four guitar picks in the center (piko) of the quilt, then guitars, mandolins and fiddles, surrounded by a border of banjos. An unexpected, yet perfect blending of their shared love of music, Hawaii, and Hawaiian quilts.
Who do you know that loves music? Is it you?
Internet Special: Normally the Bluegrass Band pattern sells for $12.00. For a limited time it is only $10.00. Buy the pattern here.
What is your passion? Did you know that with our book and DVD set, Design Your Personal Hawaiian Quilt, you, yes YOU, can design Hawaiian quilts using the motifs that have special meaning to you and your loved ones? What will it be? Cars, horses, dogs, birds, roses, skiing, swimming...??? If you have a passion, you can design a Hawaiian quilt to celebrate it! Go ahead, give it a try. 
Gallery: See photos of the quilts people, just like you, have designed using our book. What's stopping you? If you can cut with scissors, you can do this! |
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PENGUIN FAMILY - 2 Fabric Applique Quilt
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Bbbbrrrr....
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When will it warm up?! The calendar says that it is time for the seasons to change, but the temperatures are not yet headed the right direction for everyone. Those of you way south (like in the southern hemisphere) are beginning to prepare for your cooler days, while those of us up north are over with the cold!
The little guys on this adorable quilt are all about the cold. So, whether your cold days are ahead, or behind, why not stitch up this quilt in the coming weeks? This is a fast quilt to applique (by hand or machine), mostly gently curving lines, so it stitches up wikiwiki (quick).
Last time we showcased this quilt we gave you three Hints, here they are again:
HINT #1: When you are ready to applique this quilt, rent "March of the Penguins", "Happy Feet", or "Happy Feet 2" (or all three!), make some hot chocolate, put a fire in the fireplace, relax and enjoy. The stitching will be done before you know it.
HINT #2: Our favorite way to quilt this one is with snowflakes, of different sizes and shapes, placed randomly over the quilt. Use Google Images or Bing Images to find pictures of snowflakes to print and use as templates. Use metallic thread for a shimmery effect. To see more ideas for quilting, see our suggestions on the How-To & Ideas pages.
HINT #3: Consider making this quilt using fusible web and machine applique, for a really fast gift for a kid, any time of year!
Penguin Family, 24" x 36", $12.00. Purchase your pattern here. Look for photos of more Penguin Family quilts in our 2 FAQ Gallery.
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ONLINE CLASSES WITH NANCY
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Academy of Quilting
If you do not live where you can take a class from Nancy in person, then perhaps an online class at Academy of Quilting would work for you.
Academy of Quilting brings you the joy of learning quilting, applique & patchwork in the comfort of your home with online classes. In the Academy of Quilting you will find:
- Detailed instructions enhanced with photographs and videos.
- Online presentation of your work along with other students.
- A Classroom Forum to ask your questions and learn from questions other students ask.
- The opportunity to meet other students from around the world.
- Classes that are competitively priced and unsurpassed in quality.
Nancy's upcoming class schedule:
- Mar 28, Beginning Hand Quilting
- April 18, Baltimore Basics
- April 25, Make Your Own Hawaiian Quilt
Sign-up now!
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COMING EVENTS
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Nancy's Whereabouts:
Making plans for Spring travel? Here are opportunities to take a class from Nancy or catch a presentation at shows, shops and guilds. Most guilds welcome visitors, so don't be shy.
Make your plans now for one or more of these events:
2014 Shows, Classes, and Events:
- March 14-15, Olympia, WA. Washington Stars Quilt Guild, presentation and Hawaiian Applique class.
- March 22-23, Auburn, CA. Nancy will be vending at the Foothills Quilters Guild Quilt Show.
- April 1-2, Seabeck, WA. The Applique Society Retreat, Celtic Table Runner class.
- April 4-7, Port Gamble, WA. Quilted Strait, a 2-day Hawaiian quilt designing class, an applique class, and a hand quilting class.
- May 16-18, Grants Pass, OR. Nancy will be vending at the Rogue Valley Piecemakers Quilt Show.
- May 24-26, Brookings, OR. Nancy will be vending at the Azalea Quilters Guild quilt show.
- Lots of events in June, go on-line for the full schedule.
Register early for classes. They can fill quickly, or be canceled if not enough people register in advance.
Click CALENDAR for details and contact information.
Schedule Nancy now for your show or event in 2014, 2015, and beyond. If you would like her to come to your area to teach, let your quilt shop, quilt guild, or show organizer know. Print Nancy's Brochure and pass it along.
Piggy-backing is good!
Nancy is always eager to teach or speak at more than one location when she travels. If she is able to book multiple events, then each group shares in her travel expenses. So it is just an economical and efficient way to book. If you see that Nancy will be anywhere near* you, then contact her to see if additional engagements can be arranged during the same trip. That way EVERYONE WINS!
*Remember, Nancy is traveling from Oregon. So near means that if she will be in Florida even Virginia is near. Think regionally.
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| INTERNET TIP | | Text and pics too small? Too large?
You are in control, really! On a PC, hold down <Ctrl> then tap the + (plus) key to increase the size of what you are viewing. Conversely, hold the <Ctrl> key and tap the - (minus) key to decrease the size, fitting more on your screen. To restore to the normal viewing size, press <Ctrl> and 0 (zero). For Mac users, it is very similar <Apple>+, <Apple>-, and <Apple>0. This works in most browsers. Alternatively, there may be a Zoom tool or option in your browser that will do the trick, too. Try it now! |
Thank you for spending a little of your precious time with us, we really appreciate it. Remember to send us your stories, pictures, questions, or suggestions. We love to hear from you.
A hui hou,
Until next time,
Nancy & Janice
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